Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms and Signs, and Detoxification

Suboxone is an opioid given as medication to treat opiate addiction. The proper use of Suboxone blocks the effects of other opiates on the patient's body. This blockage helps during the withdrawal process. If the patient uses Suboxone long-term or stops its usage rapidly Suboxone withdrawal can occur.

Suboxone withdrawal symptoms from the stoppage of the drug use can begin with 36 hours of the last dosage and last for several weeks. Some of these symptoms include muscle cramps, leg kicking, insomnia, diarrhea, sweating, anxiety and depression. Because of the discomfort caused by the withdrawal, many patients return to Suboxone use to stop the symptoms. A period of medically assisted detoxification can help to relieve many of the symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal.

There are two methods of detoxification used for Suboxone users. The first method consists of a rapid anesthesia detoxification. Under this treatment, a patient is given anesthesia that places them asleep as the drug is flushed from the body. In this way, the patient avoids most of the severe withdrawal symptoms. The second method is slower. It involves slowly tapering the patient off the drug by reducing dosages consistently until they are no longer administered.

Withdrawing from Suboxone: Treatment Methods and Options for Help

Withdrawing from Suboxone without medical help can be a long and uncomfortable process. A Suboxone withdrawal treatment program with medical assistance can help you through this process though, with significant relief from any withdrawal symptoms experienced.

The first 72-hour period of Suboxone withdrawal is a crucial time for seeking help. The withdrawal symptoms both start and peak during this period. Without treatment, this peak period can make a relapse into full use tempting. While all treatments are personalized to the patient, general treatment methods consist of a detoxing period followed by opiate blocking medication and psychological therapy.

Detoxing, Addiction Treatment Rehab and Recovery

The detoxing period has no set schedule for the Suboxone user. Its length depends primarily on the severity of the drug use. Whether you choose rapid detox or drug tapering, most treatment occurs in an addiction treatment rehab facility. The rapid detox is on an inpatient basis, but tapering can be done both on an inpatient or outpatient basis as desired.

If you choose rapid detox, you can greatly shorten the detoxification period. Rapid detox begins with a medical pre-screening to determine your medical condition and drug use history. The pre-screening includes a complete physical exam and can take as long as 24 to 48 hours to complete. During this period, medication is sometimes given to stabilize the patient before the detox can occur.

After the pre-screening, the patient is placed under anesthesia for up to two hours. During this period, an accelerated neuro-regulation protocol is performed, which uses non-opiate based medications to cleanse the patient's opiate receptors. When the patient awakens from the procedure, there is no longer a physical dependency on the opiates, though a psychological dependency may remain.

A monitoring period lasting between 24 to 48 hours follows the rapid detox. During this period, medical personnel watch for any side effects from the treatment. After release, the patient is prescribed a non-addictive medication that removes physical cravings for the Suboxone. The medication also prevents opiates from providing a physical high when taken. A short period of psychological therapy usually follows treatment to help the patient deal with any psychological cravings for the drug.

The second method of detoxification is a more traditional tapering off from the drug. Using this method, doctors administer constantly lowering doses of Suboxone to the patient until the patient's body is no longer dependent on the substance. While the tapering method does not eliminate the withdrawal symptoms, it does lessen them significantly. This decrease in the severity of the withdrawal removes some of the incentive to return to full use of the drug.

After the tapering ends, the patient receives blocking medication and psychological therapy to deal with any lingering psychological cravings.

Choosing a program that can provide help for Suboxone withdrawal as soon as possible is vital for stopping the use of the drug on a long-term basis. Speaking to a trained professional can help to guide you in the right direction for help. Call 1-888-935-1318Who Answers? to speak to someone who can provide you with the answers you need about Suboxone withdrawal and treatment. The call is confidential, and the phone lines are staffed 24 hours a day by rehab support representatives who will help you get the treatment you need.

Suboxone Information at a Glance

Medication Name, Costs

Class of Medicine

Generic Name: Buprenorphine

Generic Name Variations: Naloxene hcl dihydrate

Chemical Name:

Brand Name: Suboxone

Brand Name Variations: Subutex

Cost/Price:

Used to Treat Addiction? Yes

Function or Use at Low Dose: Treat Opioid Dependency

Function or Use at High Dose: N/A

Chemical Makeup: N/A

System: N/A

Duration of Action: Several hours

Form, Intake, and Dosage

Interactions and Complications

Drug Forms: Film, tablets, serum

Administration Routes: Administered orally, injected

Dosage: 12-16 mg per day

Overdose: More than 16 mg per day

Alcohol Interaction: Adverse effects can occur

Illicit Drugs: N/A

Prescription Medications: Reduced dosage should be taken with other analgesics, sedatives, or depressants

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

How Long Do Suboxone Withdrawals Last?

Since Suboxone is used to treat Opiate addictions, its withdrawal timeline can vary. The length of symptoms depends on the duration of use, and usually peak around 48 hours after last dosage and can appear up to one month after taking it.

Do You Have a List of Popular Slang or Street Names for Suboxone?

Bupe, subs, subbies, orange guys

What are Common Misspellings?

Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

Since Suboxone overdoses can be fatal, it is highly advised that those trying to get clean from Suboxone seek medical help rather than a home remedy or alternative medicine for symptom relief. Rehabilitation centers have proven methods to ease the detox process and relieve symptoms as much as possible in a safe, natural way.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Suboxone?

Proper detoxification can take up to 5 days. The duration of any detoxification period depends on the length of usage. To research your options for drug rehabilitation and withdrawal relief, call 1-888-935-1318Who Answers? or visit our locator page.

How Our Helpline Works

For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, the Withdrawal.net helpline is a private and convenient solution.

Calls to any general helpline (non-facility specific 1-8XX numbers) for your visit will be answered by American Addiction Centers (AAC).

We are standing by 24/7 to discuss your treatment options. Our representatives work solely for AAC and will discuss whether an AAC facility may be an option for you.

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